The overriding question at Catholic Community Services (CCS) is, "How can we help?"

"We provide opportunity as the answer to that question," said Mike Curry, acting agency director. "We fill in what is needed in the lives of our clients."

At the core of CCS existence are the values of compassion, diversity, excellence of service, justice and stewardship.

It is at this juncture that the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) plays a vital role.

"The CFC provides funding that is flexible," Curry explained. "Monies we receive from the government is restrictive; the money we receive from the CFC allows us the flexibility to address emerging needs and services to help our clients."

This adaptable money is used wisely: More than 90 percent of CFC funds received are used to address the challenges presented by poverty.

Assistance for family and youth services, seniors, people with disabilities, homelessness and housing opportunities are just some of the work the CCS does.

Just outside Curry's second story window is the Nativity House, a homeless shelter the CCS administers. Just below his office is the Food Connection, a food bank that serves those who need help.

"We had 72,889 ‘bed nights' here last year, and we served 589,074 meals there," Curry said, as he gestured toward the Nativity House.

The need for help is great.

"We confront the problems of poverty and the costs associated with them," Curry continued.

But there is hope.

A homeless veteran named Joel appeared one night at the Nativity House.  At one point, he asked a staff member if he could live in one of the new apartments that CCS administers. The next day, Joel met with personnel connected to the Family Housing Network, one of the programs administered by CCS, which in turn got him an apartment that he now calls home.

"We've had an increase in the demand for our services, and just to maintain growth in our budget to continue those services requires a ten percent increase just to break even," Curry said.

"When we help those who struggle and hurt due mostly to economic conditions or mental health problems, we help make our society a better place," Curry concluded.

"What Catholic Community Services is about is humanity."

Catholic Community Services is located at 1323 Yakima Avenue in Tacoma.

Catholic Community Services' CFC donation number is 56859.

For more information, call 253.383.3697/ Toll-free 800.372.3697 or visit www.ccsww.org.